Just as Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) gained a new permanent superintendent last week, it was announced this week that the school district would be losing Alexandria City High School (ACHS) Principal Peter Balas.
Balas broke the news last night that he would be heading north to Arlington to become principal at Wakefield High School. It’s a major shakeup in ACPS: Balas had been principal at ACHS (formerly T.C. Williams High School) since 2017 and has been with ACPS for 22 years.
Balas said he won’t leave until June and will see the school year through until graduation.
The announcement was followed by an outpouring of support from the ACHS community on social media:
https://twitter.com/ASBforACPS/status/1656826103661469696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1656826103661469696%7Ctwgr%5E25afc46c83284cecbe2067d0242ae4f5c97b1bda%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arlnow.com%2F2023%2F05%2F12%2Falexandria-high-school-principal-jumping-ship-to-take-wakefield-hs-helm-in-arlington%2F
Pete Balas (@PrincipalTitan) was the principal I entrusted my children to as elementary students and in a few weeks he will hand my oldest his high school diploma.
His departure is a gigantic loss for our schools and we will miss him dearly. pic.twitter.com/xgt5WXgzQ9
— Justin Wilson (@justindotnet) May 12, 2023
The most-read stories this week were:
- Multiple arrests in Alexandria linked to Virginia DMV fake documents scam
- JUST IN: Alexandria City High School Principal Peter Balas announces move to Arlington
- Alexandria woman sentenced 41 months in prison for wire fraud
- Alexandria man arrested after shots fired, police chase on I-395
- JUST IN: Arrest made for 2022 West End murder
- JUST IN: Police responding to bank robbery at Wells Fargo in Arlandria
- Man allegedly robbed at gunpoint in Arlandria by woman he met on Instagram
- D.C. man charged in armed robbery spree, including one shooting in Alexandria
- Notes: Historical preservation group labels Del Ray neighborhood ‘endangered’
- ACPS unveils new two-year agreement with police department for school resource officers
Recent Stories

About Latinas Leading Tomorrow (LLT): Latinas Leading Tomorrow is a dynamic 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young Latina women through education, mentorship, and leadership development. We are committed to fostering a community of future leaders who will make a significant impact to the community.
Job Description: We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Part-time Executive Director to lead our organization into its next phase of growth and impact. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader who can oversee day-to-day operations, drive fundraising efforts, and cultivate relationships with stakeholders. This is a 1099 position; Remote position with ability to attend DMV events; 8-10 hours a week; $35-40/per hour.
Key Responsibilities:

Get ready to Shake, Rattle and Roll with this one-of-a-kind, high-octane rockabilly concert experience! Rockabilly Rumble is the all-new, musical experience celebrating the southern rock music that exploded on the scene in the 1950s. Organized by Alexandria City High School Alum and pro-musician Sam C. Jones, this band of world-class performers will have you dancing in your Blue Suede Shoes all night long with songs made famous by Bo Ridley, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and more. Relive their most popular hits, along with some forgotten gems. “Rockabilly Rumble” is a dance-worthy, foot stomping evening you’ll never forget!
This show is 21+ only.
YOU MUST HAVE A VALID PHYSICAL ID. A PICTURE OF YOUR ID IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.
Christmas Through The Ages
Christmas Through The Ages – Join the Washington Men’s Camerata, and Guest Director Scott Tucker for a program of Christmas and holiday music spanning the centuries through today, featuring the music of Bach, Lauridsen, Abbie Betinis, and many others.